Halal Clause Controversy in Indonesia-US Agreement: Threat or Misinterpretation?

JAKARTA — Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), KH Muhammad Cholil Nafis, has called on the public not to purchase products from the United States that enter Indonesia without halal labels. The statement was made by Kiai Cholil in a religious address uploaded to his Instagram account @cholilnafis on Monday (23/2/2026).

“Ladies and gentlemen, there is no need to buy food products that do not have halal certification — there are concerns they may not be halal,” said Kiai Cholil, as quoted from the video uploaded to the Instagram account @cholilnafis on Monday (23/2/2026).

Kiai Cholil explained that if a product carries a halal label, it means there is an accountable body behind it, namely the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH). Within BPJPH, there is a Halal Committee and a Fatwa Commission responsible for determining halal status.

“So tomorrow, if American goods enter Indonesia without a halal label, there is no need to buy them. Purchase products that carry the halal label,” said Kiai Cholil.

Kiai Cholil also urged the Indonesian public to support the domestic economy by refraining from purchasing US products that lack halal certification.

“I ask the Indonesian people to care about the domestic economy by not buying American products that are not halal-certified — indeed, all imported products should be scrutinised,” said Kiai Cholil.